What is Fair Trade?
Fair trade has been described as a alternative business model, an economic trading partnership and a social movement. It is all of these things.
Fair trade aims to build equitable, long term trading partnerships between consumers in developed countries with producers in developed regions. These partnerships are based on dialogue, transparency and respect, not about charity. It is a comprehensive approach to trade and development that aims to alter the ways in which commerce (trade) is conducted, so that trade can empower the poorest of the poor. The fair trade movement seeks to create sustainable and positive change in both developed and developing countries.
There are two “branches” of fair trade. One branch deals with what are called commodities and works primarily with farmers in developing countries. These commodities include:
- Bananas
- Coffee
- Tea
- Nuts and snacks
- Wine and spirits
- Chocolate
- Cocoa
- Flowers
- Herbs
- Sugar
- Rice
- Vanilla
The other branch of fair trade deals with artisans and craft. These crafts people produce:
- Bags and totes
- Handbags and purses
- Jewelry
- Clothing
- T-shirts
- Scarves and shawls
- Rugs
- Pottery
- Cards
Many of these items are sustainable and use recycled and eco-friendly materials.
Both branches of fair trade seek to:
- Pay a fair wage in the local context.
- Pay promptly
- Create opportunities for economically and socially marginalized producers
- Develop transparent and accountable relationships
- Build long term relationships
- Support safe and empowering working conditions
- Ensure the rights of women and children
- Respect cultural identity
- Cultivate environmental stewardship
- Provide financial and technical assistance whenever possible
Does Fair Trade Work?
The fair trade movement helps producers and artisans across Africa, Latin America and Asia to improve their quality of life. Fair trade advocates aim to educate consumers about fair trade and trade justice. As long as people just like you continue to seek out and buy fair trade crafts, clothing and commodities, then you give people a chance to lift themselves out of poverty. The fair trade movement is not about a hand-out, it’s about extending a hand. It is also about empowering many of the most disadvantaged in this world—women and children.